Criminal Prosecution

If the sexual assault occurred on campus, criminal charges can be initiated by reporting a sexual assault to Wheaton Public Safety officers who, in turn, will contact Norton Police Department detectives. An NPD detective will meet with the victim to take a statement and provide further information regarding evidence, investigation, and prosecution options.

If the sexual assault occurred off campus, Wheaton Public Safety officers will assist the victim in contacting the police department of the town in which the assault occurred.

The accused person may not necessarily be immediately arrested. The local police department, in consultation with the District Attorney's Office, makes the decision to arrest based on several factors: whether the assault was violent; whether the accused is a flight risk; whether there is a community-wide threat (stranger vs. acquaintance rape).